Job hunting: What could go wrong?
If you are thinking about a new job or are advising a nonfed friend or relative how to join the G-club, here are some words of advice, courtesy of a long-time F...
Many, maybe most people reading this, work for the government. So obviously they got a job, although perhaps not the first one they tried for. Or the job they really wanted.
But if you are thinking about moving on, or are advising a nonfed friend or relative how to join the G-club or the private sector, this guest column may be for you. It was written by long-time Department of Veterans Affairs worker who has clearly been around the block.
Why Didn’t I Get That Job?
Applying for a job — any job — can be a frustrating and disappointing experience.
How about getting hired by the federal government? Any less frustrating?
Well, here’s some advice (Please note: Your mileage may vary and other restrictions may apply, etc.) shared with me by an old Army buddy, who is also a fed:
You’ve got to have the mentality that every announcement you apply for (across the entire government) is going to get rejected somewhere along the way because of any number of reasons. Pick one:
- “Minimal qualifications met,”
- “Hiring official decided to cancel position,”
- “Qualified, but not referred to hiring official,”
- “Not qualified” (etc., etc.)
For every position you apply for, very few will work their way to “referred to hiring official.” However, even then a whole number of things happen, where, in some cases, you won’t get interviewed because the job was “wired/fixed” for someone the hiring official already had in mind, and that person would get the job.
Once the hiring official receives the “Cert” (aka, the certificate containing the list of names recommended for interview/selection) from personnel, he or she is not legally obligated to conduct interviews, especially if the person they want for the job is on the cert.
So that’s not to say you shouldn’t keep flooding USAJobs.gov with your resume — don’t stop applying — but try not to take any of the rejection personally.
And if you are fortunate enough to interview, and you still did not get the job? According to a recent Wall Street Journal column, you’ll probably never know why.
What are your experiences with Federal job hunting? Please leave a comment. Thanks!” — Ken
NEARLY USELESS FACTOID
Compiled by Jack Moore
The London Fire Brigade says the 2010 erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey may be behind a 10 percent increase in the number of people making emergency calls to be freed from restraints.
(Source: London Evening Standard)
MORE FROM FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
Contractor hiring, morale take sequestration hit
With fewer new federal contracts on the horizon, vendors are trimming staff, changing direction and hedging their bets as sequestration plays out, according to the results of an exclusive Federal News Radio survey. Contractors are also blaming sequestration for low morale in their offices, and we find out why in this special report, Private Side of Sequestration.
AP: Pentagon likely to cut furlough days again
Defense officials tell The Associated Press that department civilians will likely face up to five fewer unpaid furlough days than originally planned, as Pentagon leaders scrimp to find up to $900 million in savings in the final months of the budget year that ends Sept. 30.
Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Mike Causey
Mike Causey is senior correspondent for Federal News Network and writes his daily Federal Report column on federal employees’ pay, benefits and retirement.
Follow @mcauseyWFED
